Superstar Salman Khan feels that earlier it was far easy to launch star kids as compared to the present scenario, when all newcomers are well-trained.

Salman, 49, is known for promoting young talent like Sonakshi Sinha, Katrina Kaif, Zarine Khan and Daisy Shah among others. Now, he is launching Suniel Shetty's daughter Athiya and Aditya Pancholi's son Sooraj with his upcoming home production "Hero".

"Today's time is very difficult as everyone is coming prepared, they are well trained. They are working on their looks, action (body) and dance and everything. In our times, anyone would get launched," Salman told PTI in an interview here.

He said that in terms of budget, today films have become huge and it is a difficult time due to competition.

"'Maine Pyaar Kiya' was made at Rs one crore 11 lakh, today it is the shooting cost of two days. In a way it was difficult that time but it is more difficult now, there are more problems. Today the budget is huge," Salman said.

"Earlier people used to take risks, see and start making a film for three or four days, and if things did not work out, they would shelve it. Now before starting a film, Rs 4-6 crore is spent... so no one does that. Today there is more competition," he said.

Since he is launching new talent in the industry Salman said he though it would be better if the newcomers - Sooraj and Athiya promote the film more than him. "I hardly participated in the promotions. Our team is pushing them. They are not listening to me, they want to promote. But they should be fresh and not look tired," Salman said.

As the release nears, Salman feels the pressure as a producer. "Hero" is set to hit screens on September 11.

"I did not think about the responsibility three or four days back but now I feel it. It is not just about the fate of the film but about their (Sooraj and Athiya) life journey and career. I hope we have not left any stone unturned," Salman said.

The "Dabangg" star is happy with the way the film has been made and hopes people not only appreciate the film but it's lead actors as well.


"We hope as people have loved the music, they would love the film as well. We hope they (Sooraj and Athiya) would also be appreciated, loved. Only then one would be happy. What is the use of the film doing well and nothing happening," Salman said.

"We would be even happy if the film did not do well but these two people make it as stars. We have tried our best."

The actor-producer reveals he has seen the first cut of the film and he did edit the film by reducing it to two hours and eight minutes with rolling titles. "It's a nice film and the length is good," he added.

However, the "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" star thinks he did a mistake of not releasing the music early, as a producer.

"We have got best music... best background score. But we have messed up at one thing and that is music release. But only the director, producer are going to be affected by it.

Music would not benefit the film alone but them (Sooraj and Athiya)... it plays on TV and then you get to do shows," he said.

"I think for a newcomer three and half to four months (before film release) all songs should be out, as the music should grow," he added.